Reefmack's RSM 130

[Mavjoy]

Originally Posted by Reefmack

Mav - good idea on the Coris Wrasse, but I've heard mixed things about them, especially that they can be bullies. How does yours behave with the other fish?

It gets along fine with my other fishes. It's my maroon clown that bullies everyone but to a certain degree that they don't get stress out..lol.

[Reefmack]

I keep trying to get a decent picture of the Yellow Watchman, but every time I get close to the tank he goes back down into his tunnel with the Tiger pistol shrimp. This at least shows what the pistol has done to the back right corner of my tank - major excavation of the substrate. The watchman is in here, but not a good picture of him. The pistol was actually excavating more gravel by pushing it up underneath the goby - comical to watch.



Even though the goby lives underneath the clowns breeding corner, the clowns don't bother it at all. I guess they realize it's not threat.

Grabbed another pic of the Flame Hawk, and then the batteries died.

[nanoreefing4fun]

Wow - very nice pics Terry !!! Beautiful fish & tank !!!

[Reefmack]

Thanks Glenn. Eventually I'll get a better pic of that Watchman. I guess he's still new and not used to things yet - very skittish! But, I'm very pleased that the goby matched up with the pistol so quickly. It makes the excavation of my substrate easier to accept.

[Dweezil]

Beautiful Terry ~ I do have one question though this is for my own future reference in hopes of getting a jawfish at some point. I've read many threads stating that you should not disturb the sand bed and all and was just wondering what's the difference between that and having a burrowing type fish that will essentially do the same thing?

[Reefmack]

Good question Tammy, and the same thing I've always wondered. I don't think a jawfish will do the amount of excavating that my pistol shrimp has done, and that hasn't had any ill affect on my tank, even though my substrate was over 2 1/2 years old. Maybe because my substrate is only about 2 inches (deeper now in the pistol shrimp corner). Jawfish need a deeper sandbed though and maybe that could be a problem? I really don't have an answer.

[Dweezil]

I know right? I mean if it's such a terrible thing to disturb the sand bed then I would think logically nobody should ever own any type of burrowing fish. I do have a pretty deep sandbed as I knew from the start I would at some point want a jawfish but then I started reading those threads about how it could crash a tank and it got me wondering. I'm sure there is some sort of reasoning and logic I just don't know what it is. Maybe I'll ask this question in the General area and see what kind of responses I get. :-)

[Reefmack]

A question in the general area would be good. Hopefully you won't get too many opposing opinions. If I was you I'd just get the jawfish.

[Dweezil]

Well me getting the jawfish isn't really my point here. Just asking in general terms. Take me out of the equation all together the question is really why is it okay for a burrowing fish to disturb the sandbed without any ill effects and it's not okay for someone to say use a gravel vac? It's posted now I'll see what kind of answers I get. I'm not trying to be in any way difficult just makes my logical mind kick in and ask. hahahah I'm sure there is an answer I'm just too new to know what it is.

[Reefmack]

I'm off to find the post and see what replies you get.

Edit: So far it looks like you may have just as well have posted it here in the RSM section.

[Reefmack]

Tammy - based on the last responses it shouldn't make much difference when you add the jawfish - now or a year from now. I think I see a jawfish in your near future!

I grabbed a couple of better pics of the Yellow Watchman tonight, but my timing was off and I couldn't get the pistol shrimp in the pictures:





I also shot a rather poor video of the watchman doing a bit of sandsifting.

[nanoreefing4fun]

Fantastic pics Terry ! Cool fish, beautiful colors !

[Reefmack]

Thanks Glenn! It's a really cool relationship to see - between the shrimp & fish sharing a home. Hopefully it'll also keep the goby from floor surfing! It adds a new dimension to the tank for me - something new to watch is always fun!

[redsea reefer]

nice pics and vid Terry..

[Dweezil]

Okay officially a very cool fish! I love his little mouth it always makes me think they're frowning though. Since he is a sand sifter do they clean your substrate?